Use of structurally enhanced fatty acids containing sulphur for preventing and or treating non alcoholic steatohepatitis

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a method of preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (II): wherein R 1 , R2, R3, X and Y are as defined in the specification; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method of preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I): wherein R2, R 3 , and X, are as defined in the specification; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt. Further, the present invention relates to a compound of Formula (I) for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, wherein R 2 , R 3  and X are as defined in the specification; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a method of preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof, comprisingadministering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of acompound of Formula (II):

whereinR₁ is selected from a C₁₀-C₂₂ alkenyl having 3-6 double bonds;R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and may be selected from a group ofsubstituents consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkylgroup, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an acyl group,an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group,an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, an alkylsulfinyl group, analkylsulfonyl group, an amino group, and an alkylamino group, providedthat R₂ and R₃ cannot both be a hydrogen atom; or R₂ and R₃ can beconnected in order to form a cycloalkane like cyclopropane, cyclobutane,cyclopentane or cyclohexane;Y is selected from sulphur, sulfoxide, and sulfone;X represents a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, wherein thederivative is a carboxylic ester, a glyceride, a carboxamide or aphospholipid;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such asalt.

The present disclosure relates to a method of preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof, comprisingadministering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of acompound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X represents a carboxylicacid or a derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylicester, a glyceride, a carboxamide or a phospholipid; or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt.

Further, the present invention discloses compounds of the formulas (I)and (II) for therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3 fattyacids, have effects on diverse physiological processes impacting normalhealth and chronic diseases, such as the regulation of plasma lipidlevels, cardiovascular and immune functions, insulin action, neuronaldevelopment, and visual function.

Omega-3 fatty acids, e.g.(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid (EPA) and(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid (DHA),regulate plasma lipid levels, cardiovascular and immune functions,insulin action, and neuronal development, and visual function. Omega-3fatty acids have been shown to have beneficial effects on the riskfactors for cardiovascular diseases, for example hypertension andhypertriglyceridemia (HTG).

The use of omega-3 compounds such as EPA and DHA to treat non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH) have been suggested in the prior art. By way ofexample, WO 2014/057522 of Mochida relates to compositions comprisingethyl icosapentate for use in treatment or alleviation of symptoms ofNASH.

Dignity Science LTD (WO2014/118097) have suggested the use of modifiedomega-3 compounds, such as 15-hydroxy eicosapentaenoic acid (15-OHEPA),to treat fatty liver disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). KrisaniBiosciences (WO2014/045293) have also proposed the use of modifiedomega-3 compounds for treating different diseases includingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH) are frequently used interchangeably despite thefact that NAFLD encompasses a much broader spectrum of liver diseaseincluding simple hepatosteatosis (>5% of hepatocytes histologically).Hepatosteatosis is most likely a relatively benign disorder when notaccompanied by an inflammatory response and cellular damage. However, asubgroup of NAFLD patients have liver cell injury and inflammation inaddition to hepatosteatosis, a condition known as nonalcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is virtually indistinguishablehistologically from alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH). While the simplesteatosis seen in NAFLD does not correlate with increased short-termmorbidity or mortality, NASH dramatically increases the risks ofcirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cirrhosisdue to NASH is an increasingly frequent reason for livertransplantation. While the morbidity and mortality from liver causes aregreatly increased in patients with NASH, they correlate even morestrongly with the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease.

Uniform criteria for diagnosing and staging NASH are still debated (seedetails in later sections). Key histologic components of NASH aresteatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, and lobular inflammation; fibrosisis not part of the histologic definition of NASH. However, the degree offibrosis on liver biopsy (stage) is predictive of the prognosis, whereasthe degree of inflammation and necrosis on liver biopsy (grade) are not.

With respect to the various histological components, treatment withomega-3 fatty acids have been shown to effectively reducehepatosteatosis in patients with NAFLD (Scorletti E, et al., Effects ofpurified eicosapentaenoic and docosahexanoic acids in non-alcoholicfatty liver disease: Results from the *WELCOME study, Hepatology. 2014Jul. 4 1) and, if treatment is established at an early stage of thedisease, may conceivably slow progression to the latter more severestages of disease. However, it is questionable whether omega-3 fattyacids are sufficiently potent to treat and/or reverse NASH wherepronounced histological/inflammatory changes have developed (Sanyal A J,et al; EPE-A Study Group, Gastroenterology. 2014 August;147(2):377-84.e1. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.04.046. Epub 2014 May 9).

The moderate efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of NASHmay be secondary to their mild effects upon other pathways that underliethe pathogenesis of NASH. Research in both humans and animal models ofNASH have convincingly demonstrated that there are multiple factorsinvolved in the development of steatohepatitis as opposed to isolatedhepatosteatosis. These include insulin resistance, oxidative stress,inflammation, gut-derived endotoxin and excessive hepatic cholesteroland bile acids. All these factors have been shown to play importantcontributing factors in genetically susceptible individuals and drugstargeting these pathways are being developed for the treatment of NASH.

The efficacy of synthetic farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such asobeticholic acid, in the treatment of established NASH suggest pathwaysinvolving cholesterol/bile acid production and clearance play of pivotalrole in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, as FXR agonistsinhibit the major pathway by which the liver excretes excess cholesterol(conversion to bile acids and biliary excretion), adverse effects uponplasma cholesterol are observed.

Increased hepatocellular cholesterol concentrations can also lead tocholesterol crystal accumulation and cell-death with resultant foam cellformation. Increased oxidized cholesterol (plasma derived or formed insitu) can also incite a hepatic inflammatory reaction and thedevelopment of NASH.

Treatments aimed at reducing hepatic cholesterol levels are anattractive target in the prevention and treatment of NASH by bothlimiting the substrate for both crystal formation and oxidation, butalso by decreasing substrate availability for hepatic bile acidsynthesis. The advantage of this upstream approach is in addition totackling key inflammatory inducing components associated with NASH,beneficial effects should also be seen upon atherogenic plasma lipidsthat frequently accompany the hepatic disease.

WO2010/008299 discloses that structurally enhanced fatty acids including2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid and its derivatives favorably influences lipid profiles, i.a. bylowering plasma triglycerides, plasma cholesterol, plasma insulinetc.Those results demonstrate that2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid and its derivatives may be useful in prevention or treatment ofvarious conditions.

It has surprisingly been found that2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid and its derivatives are useful for preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a method of preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof, comprisingadministering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of acompound of Formula (II):

wherein R₁ is selected from a C₁₀-C₂₂ alkenyl having 3-6 double bonds;R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and may be selected from a group ofsubstituents consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkylgroup, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an acyl group,an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group,an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, an alkylsulfinyl group, analkylsulfonyl group, an amino group, and an alkylamino group, providedthat R₂ and R₃ cannot both be a hydrogen atom; or R₂ and R₃ can beconnected in order to form a cycloalkane like cyclopropane, cyclobutane,cyclopentane or cyclohexane;Y is selected from sulphur, sulfoxide, and sulfone;X is a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, wherein the derivativeis a carboxylic ester, a glyceride, a carboxamide or a phospholipid; ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt.

An equal aspect of the disclosure relates to use of a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of a compound of Formula (II):

wherein R₁ is selected from a C₁₀-C₂₂ alkenyl having 3-6 double bonds;R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and may be selected from a group ofsubstituents consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkylgroup, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an acyl group,an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group,an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, an alkylsulfinyl group, analkylsulfonyl group, an amino group, and an alkylamino group, providedthat R₂ and R₃ cannot both be a hydrogen atom; or R₂ and R₃ can beconnected in order to form a cycloalkane like cyclopropane, cyclobutane,cyclopentane or cyclohexane;Y is selected from sulphur, sulfoxide, and sulfone;X is a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, wherein the derivativeis a carboxylic ester, a glyceride, a carboxamide, or a phospholipid; ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt,in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof.

An equal aspect of the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II)

wherein R₁ is selected from a C₁₀-C₂₂ alkenyl having 3-6 double bonds;R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and may be selected from a group ofsubstituents consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkylgroup, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an acyl group,an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an alkylthio group,an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxy group, an alkylsulfinyl group, analkylsulfonyl group, an amino group, and an alkylamino group, providedthat R₂ and R₃ cannot both be a hydrogen atom; or R₂ and R₃ can beconnected in order to form a cycloalkane like cyclopropane, cyclobutane,cyclopentane or cyclohexane;Y is selected from sulphur, sulfoxide, and sulfone;X represents a carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, wherein thederivative is a carboxylic ester, a glyceride, a carboxamide, or aphospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvateof such a salt, for therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment ofnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

In at least one embodiment, R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and maybe selected from a group of substituents consisting of a hydrogen atom,an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkenyl group; or R₂ and R₃ can beconnected in order to form a cycloalkane like cyclopropane, cyclobutane,cyclopentane or cyclohexane; Y is selected from sulphur; X represents acarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is acarboxylic ester, a glyceride or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt.

More particularly, in one aspect the present disclosure relates to amethod of preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in asubject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ and X are defined as for Formula (II) and preferablywhereinR₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogen atom andlinear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with the provisothat R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; and X is a carboxylic acid or aderivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylic ester, aglyceride, or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, or solvate of such a salt.

Likewise, in another aspect the present disclosure relates to use of apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ and X are defined as for Formula (II) and preferablywherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; and X is a carboxylic acidor a derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylic ester, aglyceride or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, or solvate of such salt thereof, in the manufacture of amedicament for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitisin a subject in need thereof.

Likewise, in another aspect the present disclosure relates to a compoundof Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ and X are defined as for Formula (II) and preferablywherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X is a carboxylic acid ora derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylic ester, aglyceride or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, or solvate of such a salt, for preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

For Formula (I), when X is a glyceride, this may be chosen from thegroup of a triglyceride, a 1,2-diglyceride, a 1,3-diglyceride, a1-monoglyceride and a 2-monoglyceride.

The present disclosure also includes a method of treating and/orpreventing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof,the method comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.

Likewise, the present disclosure also includes use of a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid (compound N) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereofin the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof.

The present disclosure also relates to2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid (Compound N) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or esterthereof, for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 discloses the effects of Compound N on hepatic cholesterol.

FIG. 2 discloses the effects of Compound N on hepatic inflammation.

FIG. 3 discloses the effects of Compound N on macrovesicular steatosis.

FIG. 4 discloses the effects of Compound N on fecal bile acid content.

FIG. 5 discloses the effects of Compound N on hepatic fibrosis (collagencontent).

FIG. 6 discloses the effects of Compound N on total plasma cholesterol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in thecontext of one aspect of the present disclosure also apply to the otheraspects of the invention. Particularly, the embodiments applying to themethod of preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitisaccording to the present disclosure also apply to the use of apharmaceutical effective amount of a compound in the manufacture of amedicament for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitisand likewise to the aspect of a compound for preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis, all according to the present disclosure.

Particular aspects of the disclosure are described in greater detailbelow. The terms and definitions as used in the present application andas clarified herein are intended to represent the meaning within thepresent disclosure.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unlessthe context dictates otherwise.

The terms “approximately” and “about” mean to be nearly the same as areferenced number or value. As used herein, the terms “approximately”and “about” should be generally understood to encompass ±5% of aspecified amount, frequency, or value.

The terms “treat,” “treating,” and “treatment” include any therapeuticapplication that can benefit a human or non-human mammal. Both human andveterinary treatments are within the scope of the present disclosure.Treatment may be responsive to an existing condition or it may beprophylactic, i.e., preventative.

The terms “administer,” “administration,” and “administering” as usedherein refer to (1) providing, giving, dosing and/or prescribing byeither a health practitioner or his authorized agent or under hisdirection a compound or composition according to the present disclosure,and (2) putting into, taking or consuming by the human patient or personhimself or herself, or non-human mammal a compound or compositionaccording to the present disclosure. The terms “preventing and/ortreating” and “therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of” mayinterchangeably be used. Typically the compounds of Formula (I) will beused for treating, i.e. therapeutic treatment of, NASH. However, it isalso foreseen that in some cases the compound of Formula (I) will beused for preventing or for prophylactic treatment of NASH, for examplein cases where a patient have a family history of developing NASH.

The term “pharmaceutically effective amount” means an amount sufficientto achieve the desired pharmacological and/or therapeutic effects, i.e.,an amount of the disclosed compound that is effective for its intendedpurpose. While individual subject/patient needs may vary, thedetermination of optimal ranges for effective amounts of the disclosedcompound is within the skill of the art. Generally, the dosage regimenfor treating a disease and/or condition with the compounds presentlydisclosed may be determined according to a variety of factors such asthe type, age, weight, sex, diet, and/or medical condition of thesubject/patient.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” means a compound according to thepresent disclosure in any form suitable for medical use.

The compounds of Formula (I) and (II) may exist in variousstereoisomeric forms, including enantiomers, diastereomers, or mixturesthereof. It will be understood that the invention encompasses alloptical isomers of the compounds of Formula (I) and (II) as well asmixtures thereof. Hence, compounds of Formula (I) and (II) that exist asdiastereomers, racemates, and/or enantiomers are within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a method of preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof, comprisingadministering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of acompound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X represents a carboxylicacid or a carboxylic ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, solvate of such a salt.

In at least one aspect, the present disclosure relates to use of apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X represents a carboxylicacid or a carboxylic ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, solvate of such a salt, for preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof.

In at least one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a compound ofFormula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X is a carboxylic acid ora carboxylic ester; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, orsolvate of such a salt, for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis.

For the compounds of Formula (I), the use of these, and for the methodof administering these, the following items of disclosure are included:

In those cases were R₂ and R₃ are different, the compounds of Formula(I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms. It will beunderstood that the invention encompasses all optical isomers of thecompounds of Formula (I) and mixtures thereof.

In at least one embodiment, R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from ahydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, and anisopropyl group.

In at least one embodiment, R₂ and R₃ are chosen from a hydrogen atom, amethyl group, and an ethyl group.

In at least one embodiment, one of R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom and theother one of R₂ and R₃ is chosen from a C₁-C₃ alkyl group. In oneembodiment, one of R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom and the other one of R₂and R₃ is chosen from a methyl group or an ethyl group.

In at least one embodiment R₂ and R₃ are independently C₁-C₆ alkylgroups. In one embodiment both R₂ and R₃ are C₁-C₃ alkyl groups. In oneembodiment R₂ and R₃ are the same or different and each areindependently chosen from a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propylgroup, or an isopropyl group. In one embodiment R₂ and R3 are the sameand are selected from a pair of methyl groups, a pair of ethyl groups, apair of n-propyl groups and a pair of isopropyl groups. In at least onepreferred embodiment R2 and R3 are ethyl groups. In one embodiment, oneof R2 and R3 is a methyl group and the other one is an ethyl group. Inone embodiment, one of R2 and R3 is an ethyl group and the other one isa n-propyl group.

In at least one embodiment, X is a carboxylic acid. In one embodiment,wherein X is a carboxylic ester, this is a C₁-C₆ alkyl ester. This maybe chosen from a methyl ester, an ethyl ester, an isopropyl ester, an-butyl ester and a tert-butyl ester. Preferably, the ester is selectedfrom a methyl ester and an ethyl ester.

In at least one embodiment, the compound may be present in its variousstereoisomeric forms, such as an enantiomer (R or S), diastereomer, ormixtures thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the compound is present in racemic form. Inone embodiment, the compound is present in its R form. In anotherembodiment, the compound is present in its S form.

In cases, where the compound according to Formula (I) is a salt of acounter-ion with at least one stereogenic center, or ester of an alcoholwith at least one stereogenic center, the compound may have multiplestereocenters. In those situations, the compounds of the presentdisclosure may exist as diastereomers. Thus, in at least one embodiment,the compounds of the present disclosure are present as at least onediastereomer.

In at least one embodiment, the compound of the present disclosure is2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid:

Given the established adverse effects upon hepatic cholesterol upon NASHfrom both animal studies and human tissue samples, the describedexamples clearly suggest that compounds of Formula (I) such as CompoundN may have beneficial effects in the prevention and/or treatment ofNASH.

It was previously shown that both Compound N and Reference A(2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenyloxy)butanoic acidprepared according to Example 2 of WO2010/128401) could significantlydecrease plasma cholesterol in APOE*3Leiden.CETP double transgenic mice.The absolute reductions achieved by both compounds were comparable andthe proposed mechanism/s by which these reductions are achieved appearsimilar (SREPB-2 activation and increased hepatic LDL-R expression). Itwas therefore surprising to find the clear differences observed betweenthe compounds in a number of key components of NASH as described in theexamples. These differences may be related to varying effects uponhepatic cholesterol biosynthesis as the differences in hepaticcholesterol ester levels cannot be explained by increased hepaticcholesterol uptake (rate of uptake same for both compounds, data notshown).

Although only fecal bile acid content was measured in this model, thereduction in bile acid excretion along with the decreased hepaticcholesterol ester content suggest that less cellular cholesterol may beavailable for bile acid synthesis. As evidenced by the beneficialeffects of FXR agonists (although there are additional mechanisms bywhich these compounds work), a reduction in bile acid synthesis shouldhave both anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in human NASH. Areduced availability of hepatic cholesterol should also reducecholesterol crystal formation and oxidised cholesterol content, bothpotentially important mediators of NASH in humans. The significantlyreduced plasma residence time of cholesterol demonstrated in earlierstudies (data not shown) may also reduce oxidised cholesterol uptake.

Although reducing hepatic cholesterol has anti-inflammatory effects inanimal models of NASH, whether the difference in hepatic cholesterol canexplain the superior effects of Compound N versus Reference A uponhepatic inflammation (as shown in examples) is uncertain. The mechanismby which Compound N, and not Reference A, reduces macrovesicularsteatosis is also uncertain, but does not appear to be mediated byincreased beta-oxidation of fatty acids (data not shown).

As previously described, multiple independent and interdependentmetabolic, inflammatory and ultimately fibrotic components converge inthe development of human NASH. It is likely that any successfultreatment will need to address all aspects of NASH, preferably viaupstream metabolic/inflammatory targets. The unique, broad spectrum ofmetabolic, inflammatory and histological effects as described in theenclosed examples provide justification for the testing of the efficacyof Compound N in human subjects with NASH.

Compounds of Formula (I) can be prepared as described, for example, inPCT Application WO 2010/008299 filed Jul. 13, 2009, and according toExamples below.

Examples 1-13 are exemplary and one skilled in the art would understandhow to apply these general methods to arrive at other compounds withinthe scope of Formula (I). Compounds of the present disclosure may be inthe form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester. For example,the compounds of Formula (I) may be in the form of esters, such as aphospholipid, a glyceride or a C₁-C₆-alkyl ester. In at least oneembodiment, the ester is chosen from a glyceride or a C₁-C₆-alkyl ester.In at least one embodiment, the ester is chosen from a triglyceride, a1,2-diglyceride, a 1,3-diglyceride, a 1-monoglyceride, a2-monoglyceride, a methyl ester, an ethyl ester, a propyl ester, aisopropyl ester, a n-butyl ester and a tert-butyl ester. In at least oneembodiment, the compound of Formula (I) is present as a methyl ester, anethyl ester, an isopropyl ester, a n-butyl ester or a tert-butyl ester,for example as a methyl ester or an ethyl ester. Typically, estersrepresented by Formula (I) (e.g., ethyl esters) will be hydrolyzed inthe gastrointestinal tract.

Salts suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limitedto, salts of NH⁴⁺; metal ions such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, or Ca²⁺; aprotonated primary amine such as tert-butyl ammonium,(3S,5S,7S)-adamantan-1-ammonium,1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-ammonium, a protonatedaminopyridine (e.g., pyridine-2-ammonium); a protonated secondary aminesuch as diethylammonium,2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxy-N-methylhexan-1-ammonium,N-ethylnaphthalen-1-ammonium, a protonated tertiary amine such as4-methylmorpholin-4-ium, a protonated quaternary amine such as2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylethan-1-aminium and a protonated guanidine suchas amino((4-amino-4-carboxybutyl)amino)methaniminium or a protonatedheterocycle such as 1H-imidazol-3-ium. Additional examples of suitablesalts include salts of a diprotonated diamine such asethane-1,2-diammonium or piperazine-1,4-diium. Other salts according tothe present disclosure may comprise protonated Chitosan:

In at least embodiment, the salts are chosen from a sodium salt, acalcium salt, and a choline salt. In one embodiment the salt is a sodiumsalt or a calcium salt.

The present disclosure provides for a method of preventing or treatingNASH in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to thesubject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula(I). The subject may be a human or a non-human mammal. The compoundspresently disclosed may be administered as a medicament, such as in apharmaceutical composition. Hence, another aspect of the invention is acomposition, such as a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compoundof Formula (I) for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis.

The composition presently disclosed may comprise at least one compoundof Formula (I) and optionally at least one non-active pharmaceuticalingredient, i.e., excipient. Non-active ingredients may solubilize,suspend, thicken, dilute, emulsify, stabilize, preserve, protect, color,flavor, and/or fashion active ingredients into an applicable andefficacious preparation, such that it may be safe, convenient, and/orotherwise acceptable for use. Examples of excipients include, but arenot limited to, solvents, carriers, diluents, binders, fillers,sweeteners, aromas, pH modifiers, viscosity modifiers, antioxidants,extenders, humectants, disintegrating agents, solution-retarding agents,absorption accelerators, wetting agents, absorbents, lubricants,coloring agents, dispersing agents, and preservatives. Excipients mayhave more than one role or function, or may be classified in more thanone group; classifications are descriptive only and are not intended tobe limiting. In some embodiments, for example, the at least oneexcipient may be chosen from corn starch, lactose, glucose,microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, polyvinylpyrrolidone,citric acid, tartaric acid, water, ethanol, glycerol, sorbitol,polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, cetylstearyl alcohol,carboxymethylcellulose, and fatty substances such as hard fat orsuitable mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the compositionspresently disclosed comprise at least one compound of Formula (I) and atleast one pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidant, e.g., tocopherol suchas alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, anddelta-tocopherol, or mixtures thereof, BHA such as2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, ormixtures thereof and BHT (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene), ormixtures thereof.

The compositions presently disclosed may be formulated in oraladministration forms, e.g., tablets or gelatin soft or hard capsules.The dosage form can be of any shape suitable for oral administration,such as spherical, oval, ellipsoidal, cube-shaped, regular, and/orirregular shaped. Conventional formulation techniques known in the artmay be used to formulate the compounds according to the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, the composition may be in the form of agelatin capsule or a tablet.

A suitable daily dosage of a compound of Formula (I) may range fromabout 5 mg to about 2 g. For example, in some embodiments, the dailydose ranges from about 10 mg to about 1.5 g, from about 50 mg to about 1g, from about 100 mg to about 1 g, from about 150 mg to about 900 mg,from about 50 mg to about 800 mg, from about 100 mg to about 800 mg,from about 100 mg to about 600 mg, from about 150 to about 550 mg, orfrom about 200 to about 500 mg. In at least one embodiment, the dailydose ranges from about 200 mg to about 600 mg. In at least oneembodiment, the daily dose is about 50 mg, about 100 mg, about 200 mg,about 300 mg, about 400 mg, about 500 mg, about 600 mg, about 700 mg,about 800 mg, or about 900 mg. The compound(s) may be administered, forexample, once, twice, or three times per day. In at least oneembodiment, the compound of Formula (I) is administered in an amountranging from about 200 mg to about 800 mg per dose. In at least oneembodiment, the compound of Formula (I) is administered once per day.

The present inventors have found that compounds of Formula (I), such as2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid, have remarkably good pharmaceutical activity. Surprisingly, thecompounds of Formula (I) presently disclosed exhibit improved biologicalactivity compared to naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids, such asEPA and DHA for preventing and/or treating NASH.

Some specific embodiments of the invention is listed below:

A method of preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ina subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from the group of ahydrogen atom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups,with the proviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X is a carboxylicacid or a derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylicester, a glyceride, or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt. More specifically R₂ and R₃are independently chosen from a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethylgroup, a n-propyl group, and an isopropyl group. More specifically R₂and R₃ are independently C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, such as R₂ and R₃ are thesame or different and each are independently chosen from a methyl group,an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, or an isopropyl group. Preferably R₂and R₃ are both ethyl groups. In one embodiment X is a carboxylic acid.In another embodiment, X is a carboxylic ester, such as a C₁-C₆ alkylester, such as chosen from a methyl ester, an ethyl ester, an isopropylester, a n-butyl ester, and a tert-butyl ester, such as chosen frommethyl ester and an ethyl ester. The method above, wherein the glycerideis chosen from a triglyceride, a 1,2-diglyceride, a 1,3-diglyceride, a1-monoglyceride, and 2-monoglyceride. In one embodiment the compound ispresent in the form of an enantiomer, diastereomer, or mixture thereof.The method above wherein the compound is present in its R form. In oneembodiment the compound is present in its S form. In another embodiment,the compound is present in racemic form. In a preferred embodiment, theinvention provides a method as above, wherein R₂ and R₃ are ethyl groupsand X is a carboxylic acid. The pharmaceutically effective amount of thecompound of Formula (I) ranges from about 5 mg to about 2 g per dose,such as from about 200 mg to about 800 mg per dose, such as about 600mg. In one embodiment of the method the subject is a human. The compoundis preferably administered daily, such as once daily. The method asdisclosed wherein the compound is formulated as a pharmaceuticalcomposition for oral administration, such as in the form of a gelatincapsule or a tablet. The pharmaceutical composition may further compriseat least one binder, excipient, diluent, or any combinations thereof.The pharmaceutical composition further comprises an antioxidant, such aschosen from tocopherol, BHA, and BHT, or a mixture thereof. A method oftreating and/or preventing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject inneed thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject apharmaceutically effective amount of2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.

Use of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I)

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from the group of ahydrogen atom and linear, branched, and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups,with the proviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X is a carboxylicacid or a derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylicester, a glyceride or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate, or solvate of such a salt, in the manufacture of amedicament for preventing and/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitisin a subject in need thereof. Use of a pharmaceutically effective amountof2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof in themanufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof.

The use above, wherein the pharmaceutically-effective amount ranges fromabout 200 mg to about 800 mg per dose. The use above wherein2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid is administered once daily.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure may be further described by the followingnon-limiting examples, in which standard techniques known to the skilledchemist and techniques analogous to those described in these examplesmay be used where appropriate. It is understood that the skilled artisanwill envision additional embodiments consistent with the disclosureprovided herein.

Unless otherwise stated, reactions were carried out at room temperature,typically in the range between 18-25° C. with solvents of HPLC gradeunder anhydrous conditions. Evaporations were carried out by rotaryevaporation in vacuo. Column chromatography was performed by the flashprocedure on silica gel 40-63 μm (Merck) or by an Armen Spotflash usingthe pre-packed silica gel columns “MiniVarioFlash”, “SuperVarioFlash”,“SuperVarioPrep” or “EasyVarioPrep” (Merck). Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) shift values were recorded on a Bruker Avance DPX 200 or 300instrument with peak multiplicities described as follows: s, singlet; d,doublet; dd, double doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; p, pentet; m,multiplett; br, broad. The mass spectra were recorded with a LC/MSspectrometer. Separation was performed using a Agilent 1100 seriesmodule on a Eclipse XDB-C18 2.1×150 mm column with gradient elution. Aseluent were used a gradient of 5-95% acetonitrile in buffers containing0.01% trifluoroacetic acid or 0.005% sodium formate. The mass spectrawere recorded with a GI956A mass spectrometer (electrospray, 3000 V)switching positive and negative ionization mode. Reported yields areillustrative and do not necessarily represent the maximum yieldattainable.

Preparation of Intermediates: Example 1: Preparation ofS-(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenyl ethanethioate

Triphenylphosphine (21.0 g, 80 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (170 mL)at 0° C. under inert atmosphere and added DIAD (15.8 mL, 80 mmol)dropwise. After 40 minutes at 0° C. the white suspension was addeddropwise to a solution of(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaen-1-ol (11.5 g, 40 mmol)and thioacetic acid (5.7 mL, 80 mmol) in dry THF (50 mL) during 15minutes. The resulting turbid mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30minutes, followed by ambient temperature for 1.5 hour. Heptane was added(200 mL), the mixture was stirred for ten minutes and the precipitatedwhite solid removed by filtration and rinsed with heptane (150 mL). Theresidue was concentrated to remove most of the THF and stirred atambient for 18 hours. The mixture was filtered, concentrated and addedheptane (200 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred for 2 hours,filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by flashchromatography on silica gel, using EtOAc: Heptane (2:98), followed byEtOAc: Heptane (4:96) and finally EtOAc: Heptane (5:95). Concentrationof the appropriate fractions provided 11.0 g (79% yield) of the titlecompound as oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.5 Hz), 1.40(m, 2H), 1.58 (m, 2H), 2.06 (m, 4H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.77-2.87 (m, 10H),5.25-5.42 (m, 10H); MS (Cl (CH4)): 387 [M+C3H5]+, 375 [M+C2H5]+, 347[M+H]+, 333 [M−CH2]+, 305 [R−SH]+.

Example 2: Preparation of(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaene-1-thiol

S-(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-lcosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenyl ethanethioate (7.00g, 20.2 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (100 mL) by stirring 10 minutesuntil the droplets of oil dissolved, before anhydrous potassiumcarbonate, K₂COO₃ (2.79 g, 20.2 mmol) was added in one portion. Themixture was stirred for 1 hour and 20 minutes at ambient temperature andquenched by addition of 1 M HCl (50 mL) and water (150 mL). The whitecloudy mixture was added Et₂O (250 mL) and the phases were separated.The water phase was extracted with Et₂O (2×250 mL). The combined organicphases were washed with brine (250 mL) and dried (MgSO₄). Filtration andevaporation gave the title compound as oil (5.99 g, 97% yield), whichwas used without further purification. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ 0.96(t, 3H, J=7.5 Hz), 1.31 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz), 1.44 (m, 2H), 1.61 (m, 2H),2.06 (m, 4H), 2.51 (m, 2H), 2.77-2.85 (m, 8H), 5.28-5.41 (m, 10H); MS(Cl (CH4)): 345 [M+C3H5]+, 333 [M+C2H5]+, 305 [M+H]+, 271 [M−SH]+.

Example 3: Preparation of(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenyl methanesulfonate

Et3N (1.50 mL, 10.8 mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride (402 μL, 5.20mmol) was added to a solution of(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaen-1-ol (1.15 g, 4.0 mmol)in CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL) held at 0° C. under nitrogen. The mixture was stirredat 0° C. for one hour, and poured into ice-water (100 g) and the waterphase extracted with Et₂O (50 mL). The combined organic extracts wereadded 0.5 M H₂SO₄ (35 mL), the organic phase washed with NaHCO₃ (sat.aq.) (25 mL), before dried (Mg₂SO₄, 10 gram). Filtration andconcentration in vacuo afforded 1.24 gram of crude oil. Purification onArmen, SVP D26 column packed with 30 gram of 15-40 μm Merck silica, flow20 mL/min, UV 210 nm and collecting 15 mL fraction, was performed usinggradient elution: (starting heptane: EtOAc (100:0) and increasing during10 min. to 10% EtOAc, then increasing 5 min. to 20% EtOAc (hold 10min.), then increasing in 5 min. to 40% EtOAc (hold 0 min.). Fractions6-14 afforded 1.16 g (79% yield) of the title compound as oil. 1H-NMR(300 MHz, CDCl3): δ 0.97 (t, 3H), 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 2.03-2.15(m, 4H), 2.76-2.86 (m, 8H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 4.22 (t, 2H), 5.27-5.40 (m,10H); MS (electrospray): 389.2 [M+Na]+.

Example 4: Preparation of(4S,5R)-3-((S)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-oneand(4S,5R)-3-((R)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one

A mixture of2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoic acid(3.0 g, 7.9 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (40 mL) held at 0° C. undernitrogen was added DMAP (1.0 g, 9.5 mmol) and1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (1.8 g, 8.7 mmol). The resultingmixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes,(4S,5R)-4-methyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone (1.7 g, 9.5 mmol) was addedand the resulting turbid mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for24 hours. The mixture was filtrated and concentrated under reducedpressure to give a crude product containing the desired product as amixture of two diastereomers. The residue was purified by flashchromatography on Armen Spotflash instrument on silica gel using 2%ethyl acetate in heptane as eluent. The two diastereomers were separatedand the appropriate fractions were concentrated.(4S,5R)-3-((R)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-lcosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-oneeluted first and was obtained in 0.95 g (47% yield) as an oil. 1.47 g(67% yield) of(4S,5R)-3-((S)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-onewas obtained as an oil.(4S,5R)-3-((R)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-Icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one(E1): 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ 0.93-1.06 (m, 9H), 1.45-1.60 (m, 4H),1.75-1.85 (m, 1H), 2.05-2.15 (m, 5H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.87 (m, 8H),4.69 (t, 1H), 4.79 (p, 1H), 5.30-5.45 (m, 10H), 5.72 (d, 1H), 7.32 (m,2H), 7.43 (m, 3H).(4S,5R)-3-((S)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-lcosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one:1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ 0.93 (d, 3H), 0.99 (t, 3H), 1.05 (t, 3H),1.40-1.56 (m, 4H), 1.50-1.75 (m, 1H), 2.00-2.15 (m, 5H), 2.47-2.65 (m,2H), 2.83 (m, 8H), 4.62 (t, 1H), 4.85 (p, 1H), 5.25-5.45 (m, 10H), 5.70(d, 1H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.43 (m, 3H).

Preparation of Target Molecules: Example 5: Preparation of ethyl2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)propanoate

(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-lcosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaene-1-thiol (305 mg, 1.00mmol) was added to a solution of NaH (60% in mineral oil, 44 mg, 1.10mmol) in dry DMF (10 mL) held at 0° C. under inert atmosphere. After tenminutes, ethyl bromopropionate (136 μL, 1.05 mmol) was added and themixture was stirred for 1.5 hour at 0° C. The reaction mixture was addedsat. aq. NH₄Cl (20 mL) and heptane (50 mL). The phases were separatedand the water phase extracted with heptane (2×25 mL). The combinedorganics were washed with brine (25 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered andevaporated to give 376 mg of title compound as crude oil. Purificationby flash chromatography on silica gel using gradient elution (startingpure heptane and increasing stepwise to heptane:EtOAc 95:5) afforded 318mg (79% yield) of the title compound as oil. ¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ0.95 (t, 3H), 1.25 (t, 3H), 1.41 (d, 3H), 1.44 (m, 2H), 1.58 (m, 2H),2.06 (m, 4H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.71-2.85 (m, 8H), 3.36 (d, 1H), 4.17 (m,2H), 5.25-5.40 (m, 10H); MS (Cl (CH₄)): 445 [M+C₃H₅]⁺, 433 [M+C₂H₅]⁺,405 [M+H]⁺, 359 [M−OEt]⁺, 331 [M−CO₂Et]⁺, 303 [R−S].⁺.

Example 6: Preparation of ethyl2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoate

To a solution of (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaene-1-thiol(305 mg, 1.00 mmol) in dry DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. under inert atmospherewas added NaH (60% in mineral oil, 44 mg, 1.1 mmol). After fifteenminutes, ethyl bromobutyrate (154 μL, 1.05 mmol) was added. The mixturewas stirred for 1 hour at 0° C. Sat. aq. NH₄Cl (20 mL), water (20 mL)and heptane (50 mL) were added. The phases were separated and the waterphase was extracted with heptane (2×25 mL). The combined organics werewashed with water (25 mL) and brine (25 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered andevaporated to give 379 mg of the title compound as a crude oil.Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel using gradientelution (starting pure heptane and increasing stepwise to heptane:EtOAc95:5) afforded 345 mg (82% yield) of the title compound as oil. ¹H-NMR(300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.93-1.00 (m, 6H), 1.25 (t, 3H), 1.44 (m, 2H), 1.59(m, 2H), 1.68 (m, 1H), 1.87 (m, 1H), 2.07 (m, 4H), 2.57 (m, 2H),2.73-2.88 (m, 8H), 3.12 (m, 1H), 4.17 (m, 2H), 5.27-5.46 (m, 10H); MS(Cl (CH₄)): 459 [M+C₃H₅]⁺, 447 [M+C₂H₅]⁺, 419 [M+H]⁺, 373 [M−OEt]⁺, 345[M−CO₂Et]⁺, 303 [R−S]⁺.

Example 7: Preparation of2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoic acid

Ethyl 2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoate(209 mg, 0.50 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (2.5 mL) and added to asolution of LiOH x H₂O (168 mg, 4.0 mmol) in water (2.5 mL). Theresulting turbid solution was stirred at 70° C. under inert atmospherefor 2 hours, cooled and added water (10 mL) and 1 M HCl (5 mL) topH=1-2. The mixture was extracted with heptane (2×20 mL) and diethylether (20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄),filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 154 mg of thetitle compound as crude oil. Purification by flash chromatography onsilica gel using gradient elution (starting with pure heptane andincreasing stepwise to heptane:EtOAc (with 5% HOAc) 80:20) afforded 151mg (77% yield) of the title compound as oil. ¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ0.95 (t, 3H), 1.02 (t, 3H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.78 (m, 3H), 1.90 (m,1H), 2.05 (m, 4H), 2.63 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.90 (m, 8H), 3.14 (t, 1H) (m,1H), 4.17 (m, 2H), 5.27-5.46 (m, 10H).

Example 8: Preparation of(S)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid

Hydrogen peroxide (30% in water, 0.71 mL, 6.91 mmol) and lithiumhydroxide monohydrate (0.15 g, 3.46 mmol) was added to a solution of(4S,5R)-3-((S)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one(0.95 g, 1.73 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (12 mL) and water (4 mL) held at0° C. under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30minutes. 10% Na₂SO_(3 (aq)) (30 mL) was added, the pH was adjusted to 2with 5M HCl and the mixture was extracted twice with heptane (30 mL).The combined organic extract was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered andconcentrated. The residue was subjected to flash chromatography onsilica gel using increasingly polar mixtures of heptane and ethylacetate (98:8-1:1) as eluent. Concentration of the appropriate fractionsafforded 0.15 g (17% yield) of the title product as an oil. ¹H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.00 (t, 3H), 1.07 (t, 3H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.75 (m,3H), 1.85 (m, 1H), 2.10 (m, 4H), 2.66 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.90 (m, 8H), 3.21(t, 1H), 5.35-5.45 (m, 10H); MS (electrospray): 389.3 [M−H]⁻; [

]49° (c=0.12, ethanol).

Example 9: Preparation of(R)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid

Hydrogen peroxide (30% in water, 1.04 mL, 10.2 mmol) and lithiumhydroxide monohydrate (0.21 g, 5.09 mmol) was added to a solution of(4S,5R)-3-((R)-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one(1.40 g, 2.55 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) and water (5 mL) held at0° C. under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 45minutes. 10% Na₂SO_(3 (aq)) (35 mL) was added, pH was adjusted to 2 with5M HCl and the mixture was extracted twice with heptane (35 mL). Thecombined organic extract was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated.The residue was subjected to flash chromatography on silica gel usingincreasingly polar mixtures of heptane and ethyl acetate (98:8-1:1) aseluent. Concentration of the appropriate fractions afforded 0.17 g (22%yield) of the title product as an oil. ¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.00(t, 3H), 1.07 (t, 3H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.75 (m, 3H), 1.85 (m, 1H),2.10 (m, 4H), 2.66 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.90 (m, 8H), 3.21 (t, 1H), 5.35-5.45(m, 10H); MS (electrospray): 389.3 [M−H]⁻; [

]50° (c=0.14, ethanol).

Example 10: Preparation of ethyl2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)-2-methylpropanoate

To a solution of (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaene-1-thiol(305 mg, 1.00 mmol) in dry DMF (10 mL) at 00° C. under inert atmospherewas added NaH (60% in mineral oil, 44 mg, 1.1 mmol). After fifteenminutes, ethyl 2-bromo-2-methylbutyrate (154 μL, 1.05 mmol) was addedand the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hour at 0° C. The reaction mixturewas quenched by addition of sat. aq. NH₄Cl (20 mL). Water (20 mL) andheptane (50 mL) were added and the phases were separated. The waterphase was extracted with heptane (2×25 mL). The combined organics werewashed with water (25 mL) and brine (2×25 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filteredand evaporated to give 377 mg of the title compound as a crude oil.Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel using isocraticelution (heptane:EtOAc 98:2) afforded 307 mg (77% yield) of the titlecompound as oil. ¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.95 (t, 3H), 1.28 (t, 3H),1.42 (m, 2H), 1.48 (s, 6H), 1.54 (m, 2H), 2.06 (m, 4H), 2.58 (m, 2H),2.71-2.85 (m, 8H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 5.22-5.48 (m, 10H); MS (Cl (CH₄)): 459[M+C₃H₅]⁺, 447 [M+C₂H₅]⁺, 419 [M+H]⁺, 373 [M−OEt]⁺, 345 [M−CO₂Et]⁺, 303[R−S].⁺.

Example 11: Preparation of2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)-2-methylpropanoicacid

Ethyl2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)-2-methylpropanoate(209 mg, 0.50 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (2.5 mL) and added to asolution of LiOH x H₂O (168 mg, 4.0 mmol) in water (2.5 mL). Theresulting turbid solution was stirred at 70° C. under inert atmospherefor 2 hours, cooled and added water (10 mL) and 1 M HCl (5 mL) topH=1-2. The mixture was extracted three times with heptane (3×20 mL).The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure to give 101 mg of the title compoundas crude oil. Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel usinggradient elution (starting with pure heptane and increasing stepwise toheptane:EtOAc (with 5% HOAc) 80:20) afforded 78 mg (40%) of the titlecompound as oil. ¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.95 (t, 3H), 1.35-1.66 (m,4H), 1.50 (s, 6H), 2.07 (m, 4H), 2.63 (t, 3H), 2.70-2.92 (m, 8H),5.13-5.50 (m, 10H).

Example 12: Preparation of ethyl1-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)cyclobutanecarboxylate

To a solution of (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaene-1-thiol(305 mg, 1.00 mmol) in dry DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. under inert atmospherewas added NaH (60% in mineral oil, 44 mg, 1.1 mmol). After fifteenminutes ethyl 2-bromo-cyclobutane carboxylate (170 μL, 1.05 mmol) wasadded and the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hour at 0° C. The reaction wasquenched by addition of sat. aq. NH₄Cl (20 mL). Heptane (50 mL) wasadded, and the phases were separated. The water phase was extracted withheptane (2×25 mL). The combined organics were washed with water (25 mL)and brine (25 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated to give 409 mgof the title compound as a crude oil. Purification by flashchromatography on silica gel using isocratic elution (heptane:acetone98:2) afforded 243 mg (56% yield) of the title compound as oil. ¹H-NMR(300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.95 (t, 3H), 1.27 (t, 3H), 1.42 (d, 3H), 1.54 (m,2H), 1.84 (m, 1H), 1.96-2.23 (m, 7H), 2.51 (m, 2H), 2.60 (m, 2H),2.73-2.90 (m, 8H), 4.18 (m, 2H), 5.23-5.43 (m, 10H); MS (Cl (CH₄)): 471[M+C₃H₅]⁺, 459 [M+C₂H₅]⁺, 431 [M+H]⁺, 385 [M−OEt]⁺, 357 [M−CO₂Et]⁺, 303[R−S].⁺.

Example 13: Preparation of2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid (Compound N)

NaOEt (21 wt. % in EtOH, 0.37 mL, 0.98 mmol) was added dropwise to asolution of 2-mercapto-2-ethyl butyric acid (0.08 g, 0.49 mmol) in dryEtOH (7 mL) held at 0° C. under inert atmosphere. The resulting mixturewas stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes before a solution of(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenyl methanesulfonate (0.15g, 0.41 mmol) in dry EtOH (3 mL) was added dropwise. The resultingturbid mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 24 hours, pouredinto NH4Cl (sat.)(aq.) (15 mL), added 3M HCl to pH 2 before extractedtwice with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic extracts were washedwith brine (10 mL), dried (MgSO4), filtrated and evaporated in vacuo.The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using agradient of 10-25% ethyl acetate in heptane as eluent. Concentration ofthe appropriate fractions afforded 0.12 g (70% yield) of the titlecompound as oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.88-1.02 (m, 9H), 1.45-1.58(2xm, 4H), 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H) 2.09 (m, 4H), 2.53 (t, 2H),2.76-2.86 (m, 8H), 5.29-5.39 (m, 10H. MS (electrospray): 417.3 [M−H]−.

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES Evaluation of Compound N in a Diet InducedNAFLD/NASH Mouse Model (APOE*3Leiden.CETP Double Transgenic Mice)

The APOE*3Leiden.CETP double transgenic mouse is expressing a variant ofthe human apolipoprotein E3 (APOE3), the APOE*3Leiden, in addition tothe human apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) and CETP. APOE*3Leiden.CETP doubletransgenic mice exhibit elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceridelevels, mainly confined to the VLDL/LDL sized lipoprotein fraction. Byincreasing the cholesterol content of the diet in this model, all thecharacteristics of human NASH develop.

Studies were performed in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice placed on a high fatdiet (24% fat w/w) with varying cholesterol content (0.25-1% cholesterolw/w). In one study (using 1% cholesterol w/w), after a 3 weeks run-inperiod 17 (20%) low-responder mice were removed from the study and theremaining 65 mice were sub-divided into groups of 12 mice each (+5 inthe control group), matched for plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, bloodglucose, body weight and age (t=0) and treatment was started. The micereceived a daily gavage between 07 hr00 and 10 hr00 with either CompoundN, Reference A or control (corn oil). After 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks oftreatment blood samples were taken after a 5 hour fasting period (also 5hours after compound or vehicle administration). Plasma cholesterol andtriglycerides were measured. After 14 weeks of treatment 5representative mice from the control group were sacrificed in order toassess the NASH development and to determine the termination of thestudy. After 20 weeks of treatment mice were sacrificed by C02asphyxiation, heparin heart blood was sampled and tissues werecollected. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and collagen content wereanalyzed.

A further study was performed in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice with a 4-weekactive treatment arm in mice placed on a high fat diet (24% fat and0.25% cholesterol diet, both w/w) to collect additional metabolic data.

Biological Example 1. Effects of Compound N on Hepatic CholesterolContent

Compound N administered to ApoE*3L-CETP mice (0.25% cholesterol dietw/w) induced a significant decrease in hepatic cholesterol ester(p<0.001). A mild decrease in cholesterol ester was also observed withReference A (p<0.05). A 43% reduction in total hepatic cholesterol(statistics not performed). The effects of Compound N on hepaticcholesterol are shown in Table 1 and FIG. 1.

TABLE 1 Liver lipids (μg lipid/mg liver protein), AVG ± SD Freecholesterol Cholesterol ester Compound (FC in FIG. 1) (CE in FIG. 1)Control 12.3 ± 3.0  22.7 ± 5.9 Reference A 9.5 ± 1.3 17.0 ± 3.7 CompoundN 9.8 ± 1.2 10.6 ± 2.1

Biological Example 2. Effects of Compound N on Hepatic Inflammation

Compound N administered to ApoE*3L-CETP mice induced a significant(p<0.001) reduction in the number of inflammatory foci by approximately85%, leading to a significant reduction in the total inflammation score.Reference A induced a milder reduction in inflammatory foci (p<0.01).Compound N has a significantly better effect upon hepatic inflammationthan Reference A (p<0.01). The effects of Compound N on hepaticinflammation are shown in Table 2 and FIG. 2.

TABLE 2 Inflammation (number of foci and inflammation score), Mean ± SD.Compound Number of foci Score (0-3) Control 4.9 ± 2.9 2.7 ± 0.9Reference A 1.9 ± 1.3 1.9 ± 1.2 Compound N 0.6 ± 0.6 0.6 ± 0.8Rosiglitazone 1.6 ± 1.6 1.7 ± 1.2

Biological Example 3. Effects of Compound N on Macrovesicular Steatosis

Compound N administered to ApoE*3L-CETP mice abolished macrovesicularsteatosis (p<0.001 vs. control). No significant effect uponmacrovesicular steatosis was seen with Reference A or Rosiglitazone.Compound N was significantly different from Reference A andRosiglitazone (both <0.001). The effects of Compound N on macrovesicularsteatosis are shown in Table 3 and FIG. 3.

TABLE 3 Steatosis as % of the liver (Macrovesicular and microvesicularsteatosis), Mean ± SD. Steatosis as % of the liver CompoundMacrovesicular Microvesicular Control 20.0 ± 15.2 53.6 ± 24.1 ReferenceA 21.2 ± 15.0 34.6 ± 11.8 Compound N 1.1 ± 1.0 57.9 ± 25.4 Rosiglitazone14.3 ± 20.2 52.5 ± 18.4

Biological Example 4. Effects of Compound N on Fecal Bile Acid Content

Compound N administered to ApoE*3L-CETP double transgenic micedemonstrated a significant (p=0.006 vs. control) 50% reduction in fecalbile acid excretion. Reference A induced a milder yet significantdecrease (p<0.05 vs. control). The Effects of Compound N on fecal bileacid content are shown in Table 4 and FIG. 4.

TABLE 4 Total bile acids (μmol/100 gr mouse/day), AVG ± SD. Total bileacids Compound (μmol/100 gr mouse/day) Control 6.5 ± 1.9 Reference A 4.0± 1.2 Compound N 3.2 ± 0.6

Biological Example 5. Effects of Compound N on Hepatic Fibrosis(Collagen Content)

Compound N administered to ApoE*3L-CETP double transgenic mice showed asignificant (p<0.005) 30% reduction in hepatic collagen content comparedto control animals. The effects of Compound N on hepatic fibrosis areshown in Table 5 and FIG. 5.

TABLE 5 Fibrosis (hydroxyprolin/prolin), Mean ± SD. CompoundHydroxyprolin/Prolin Control 0.039 ± 0.010 Compound N 0.027 ± 0.007Rosiglitazone 0.036 ± 0.007

Biological Example 6. Effects of Compound N on Total Plasma Cholesterol

Compound N administered to ApoE*3L-CETP double transgenic micedemonstrated a 52% reduction in total plasma cholesterol after 4 weeksversus control (p<0.001). Plasma HDL cholesterol values were adoubled(p<0.001, data not shown), underlying the fact that the reduction inplasma cholesterol was specific to the atherogenic apoB particleassociated cholesterol fraction. The effects of Compound N on totalplasma cholesterol are shown in Table 6 and FIG. 6.

TABLE 6 Total plasma cholesterol (mM) as a function of time in weeks,AVG ± SD. Cholesterol (mM) Compound t = 0 t = 2 t = 4 Control 6.4 ± 1.58.1 ± 1.8 9.7 ± 2.6 Compound N 6.4 ± 1.1 4.2 ± 0.7 4.7 ± 1.3

1. A compound of Formula (I)

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X is a carboxylic acid ora derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylic ester, aglyceride or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, or solvate of such salt thereof, for preventing and/or treatingnon-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
 2. The compound according to claim 1 foruse according to claim 1, wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosenfrom a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl groupand an isopropyl group.
 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₂and R₃ are independently chosen from C₁-C₆ alkyl groups.
 4. The compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein R₂ and R₃ are ethyl groups.
 5. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein X is a carboxylic acid.
 6. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein X is a C₁-C₆ alkyl ester.
 7. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein X is chosen from the group of amethyl ester, an ethyl ester, an isopropyl ester, a n-butyl ester and atert-butyl ester.
 8. The compound according to claim 1, wherein X isselected from a methyl ester and an ethyl ester.
 9. The compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein X is a glyceride chosen from atriglyceride, a 1,2-diglyceride, a 1,3-diglyceride, a 1-monoglycerideand 2-monoglyceride.
 10. The compound according to claim 1, wherein thecompound is present in the form of an enantiomer, a diastereomer or amixture thereof.
 11. The compound according to claim 1, wherein thecompound is present in its R form, in its S form or in racemic form. 12.The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₂ and R₃ are ethyl groupsand X is a carboxylic acid.
 13. The compound according to claim 1,wherein said compound is administered in a dose of between about 5 mg toabout 2 g per dose.
 14. The compound according to claim 1, wherein saidcompound is administered in a dose of between about 200 mg to about 800mg per dose.
 15. The compound according to claim 1, wherein saidcompound is administered once daily.
 16. The compound according to claim1, wherein said compound is formulated as a pharmaceutical compositionfor oral administration.
 17. The compound according to claim 1, whereinthe pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a gelatin capsule or atablet.
 18. The compound according to claim 1, wherein thepharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one binder,excipient, diluent, or any combinations thereof.
 19. The compoundaccording to claim 16, wherein the pharmaceutical composition furthercomprises an antioxidant.
 20. The compound according to claim 19,wherein the antioxidant is chosen from tocopherol, BHA, and BHT, ormixtures thereof. 21.2-ethyl-2-((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenylthio)butanoicacid

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, for preventingand/or treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
 22. The compoundaccording to claim 21, wherein this is administered in a dose of betweenabout 200 mg to about 800 mg per dose.
 23. A method of preventing and/ortreating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subject in need thereof,comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula (I):

wherein R₂ and R₃ are independently chosen from the group of a hydrogenatom and linear, branched and/or cyclic C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, with theproviso that R₂ and R₃ are not both hydrogen; X is a carboxylic acid ora derivative thereof, wherein the derivative is a carboxylic ester, aglyceride, or a phospholipid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate, or solvate of such a salt.
 24. The method according to claim23, wherein R₂ and R₃ are ethyl groups and X is a carboxylic acid.